Britain at 'substantial' threat from Irish-related terrorism, warns Home Secretary

London, Sept 25 (ANI): The threat level to Great Britain from Irish-related terrorism has gone from moderate to substantial, meaning an attack is a "strong possibility", the Home Secretary Theresa May has announced.

"The Director-General of the Security Service has informed me that he has raised the threat to Great Britain from Irish-related terrorism from moderate to substantial, meaning that an attack is a strong possibility. Judgments are based on a broad range of factors, including the intent and capabilities of terrorist groups," The Telegraph quoted May, as saying.

"This is the first time we have published the Irish-related threat assessment to Great Britain. This is in the interests of transparency and to encourage people to remain vigilant," she added.

She further stated that the first and most important duty of government in such a scenario is to protect and provide security to the citizens. She however insisted that the announcement has been made to alert the people but not alarm them.

However, the threat is still lower than the overall threat level to the UK from international terrorism, published by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (Jtac), which remains at severe, meaning an attack is highly likely, the paper reports.

"Measures taken to deal with the international terrorist threat will also counter the threat from Irish dissident republican terrorism. In general the public should not expect any visible change in our security measures," a Home Office spokeswoman said. (ANI)